Matrix Games Forums

Hello, had some queries about how I get through so many moves so quickly, so
herewith, some of my "tricks" ...

1) rail moves: embark the unit(s) you want to move, determine their destination,
then "hide" all units (press SpaceBar") and THEN move your rail. That way, the
move is nearly instantaneous ... no need to watch the ants crawl, unless you want to
watch them crawl across the map. Press SpaceBar again to reveal all units.

2) air unit moves: same idea, choose your air unit that you want to rebase,
locate the destination, and then "hide" all units and then make the move.
Almost instantaneous, unless you want to watch the fly and listen to propellers.
Then, press "U" to reset the air unit setting (e.g., combat support or air superiority, and range)

3) While playing the game, I don't agonize about what's going on w/ individual units.
I look at the "big picture" and focus on keeping my formations together and
plan out what I envision happening a few moves out. This isn't a tactical game
(until you get into retaking Vyazama or how to punch through AGS etc.) I try to
look at what is going to happen a month down the road.

4) Don't agonize about what you're going to do with ALL of your units. Again,
look at the big picture. There is no requirement to move EVERYTHING. If a unit is at
1% supply, dig him in and wait for supply.

5) Use the short cut keys, like (for example) "SHIFT+L" changes the whole stack
loss settings. Use "SHIFT+D" to dig in an entire stack.

6) Most important for navigating huge maps: learn how to use the "B" key and hex
locations, or just even city names. E.g., want to rail a stack to Moscow?
Embark them, locate Moscow by pressing "B" and then typing "MOSCOW", hide all units,
make the move, and BOOM your stack of reinforcements are in Moscow.

Similarly, want to look at Odessa area? Press "B" key, type ODESSA, and BOOM there you are.

If you want to scroll the map, don't use the mouse: hide city names and then use NUMPAD keys to move the map.
Or, use "LEFT CLICK" to center map on location you want in tiny view, then zoom in.

These are my main "tricks" for navigating the big scenes. I hope they are helpful to you! Okay, well, have a great TOAWIV gaming day!

One day I'll have enough patience for really big scenarios.

But this is not the day.

Yes, the great strength and staying power of TOAW is, ironically, also its greatest weakness.

Taking just Op. Barbarossa as an example, recall that we have dozens or more to play--from Bob's Barbarossa "early",
which (to me) leans toward the "strategic", to operational (largely, IMHO) of D21 and Russo-German War, to the drill down into Fite2--which is, all at the same time, strategic, operational, and
as tactical as you can get in TOAW in such a grand setting. Not to mention Operation Mars, McBride's (imho) magnum opus of
tactical / operational and a great tutorial (a mere glimpse) in to the mind of the
Designer Extraordinaire.

So, just with Barbarossa, there is just too little time, too many scenes.

I want to play them ALL!!!

And, for the player, that is sometimes overwhelming.
It is an overwhelming game, but a lifetime of enjoyment can be found in it.
I can attest that, when you retire and have a lot of time on your hands ...
you'll want to play TOAW.

And it does take IMMENSE patience, but is very rewarding, I think.
It is a history lesson, a geography lesson, and a critical thinking lesson, all wrapped up in one nice package.

I hope that there is a TOAWV in the works, b/c it is (to me) a joy to play--even when I have to pull my hair out,
trying to figure out my supply lines.

Have a great gaming day!

I can attest that, when you retire and have a lot of time on your hands ...

If only....barring an unlikely lottery win retirement is at least a decade away.

Already retired once....working on #2.....9 years to go

ORIGINAL: Hellen_slith


3) While playing the game, I don't agonize about what's going on w/ individual units.
I look at the "big picture" and focus on keeping my formations together and
plan out what I envision happening a few moves out. This isn't a tactical game
(until you get into retaking Vyazama or how to punch through AGS etc.) I try to
look at what is going to happen a month down the road.

4) Don't agonize about what you're going to do with ALL of your units. Again,
look at the big picture. There is no requirement to move EVERYTHING. If a unit is at
1% supply, dig him in and wait for supply.

I mean... this is fine, but if you want to crush your opponent, you're going to make sure everyone is in the right place and doing the right thing. For want of a boot, a war was lost- and equally if the recon unit is 1 MP short of being able to seize the bridge before the other guy can blow it up, you may find you're never going to complete that pincer movement you had planned.

Anyway, as 2nd poster suggested, this is an excellent argument for not playing scenarios with 1500 pieces a side. Either you have to devote your life to it or resign yourself to the reality that you're going to be playing it half-arsed. Ultimately, if you're playing a regiment level scenario and you're not worried about the specific location of an individual regiment... why not play a division level scenario. Probably more fun.

Anyway, otherwise your keyboard shortcuts etc. are well noted. I do find myself looking at my phone when I need to send two divisions halfway across the continent.

ORIGINAL: KwanzaO

Already retired once....working on #2.....9 years to go

Sounds about right. The trouble with retirement, as I understand it, is that having no obligations gets boring really fast. My father in law was retired for about three months, during which time he did a roadtrip in California and repainted his house. Then he went back to work (albeit part time).

Yeah, I retired in June for the immediate future due to Covid concerns. I only lasted three days before I went back.

Very helpful tips thanks Hellen_slith. The slow moves have been driving me nuts.